Wacom Honored with Ub Iwerks Award for Longstanding Contribution to Animation at the 53rd Annie Awards

Tokyo – Wacom has received the Ub Iwerks Award at the 53rd Annie Awards, held on February 10, 2026. The award recognizes the company’s significant and lasting contributions to the animation industry through its digital pen and ink technologies.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Ub Iwerks Award, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, honors technical advancements that have profoundly impacted the art and industry of animation. It specifically recognizes innovations that have shaped animation production and expanded creative possibilities over time. The award is named after Ub Iwerks, a pioneering animator whose work was instrumental in creating some of the medium’s earliest iconic characters.

Wacom’s Impact on Animation

For decades, Wacom’s tools have been widely used in animation production environments globally. These tools support artists throughout the entire process, from initial concept development and storyboarding to the final stages of animation and compositing. Wacom’s technology bridges traditional hand-drawn techniques with modern digital workflows.

Did You Know? The Annie Awards are widely regarded as the animation industry’s most prestigious honors, celebrating excellence in both creative and technical disciplines.

Industry Recognition

Aubry Mintz, Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood, stated that the board was initially surprised Wacom hadn’t already received the award. It became clear, however, that this was the appropriate time to acknowledge the company’s contributions. Mintz further noted that Wacom’s technology has become an industry standard, used in nearly every professional animation studio and production.

Beyond Technology

Wacom’s support extends beyond its technology to include educational initiatives and ongoing collaboration within the creative community. Nobu Ide, President and CEO of Wacom, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized that the award acknowledges Wacom’s long-standing partnership with the animation community, rather than a single product or moment.

Expert Insight: This award underscores the critical role technology plays in enabling artistic expression and innovation within the animation industry. Wacom’s consistent presence and evolution alongside the needs of animators demonstrate a commitment to fostering creativity.

Ide stated that Wacom has worked closely with creators, studios, educators, and partners worldwide, learning from them and evolving alongside the animation industry. He affirmed Wacom’s commitment to empowering creators and supporting the communities that inspire their work.

Looking Ahead

Wacom’s continued focus on supporting the animation community could lead to further development of specialized tools and workflows. The company may also expand its educational initiatives to nurture the next generation of animators. It’s also likely that Wacom will continue to collaborate with studios and artists to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ub Iwerks Award?

The Ub Iwerks Award celebrates technical advancements that have significantly impacted the art and industry of animation, recognising innovations that have shaped production practices and expanded creative possibilities.

Who presented the award to Wacom?

The award was presented by ASIFA-Hollywood at the 53rd Annie Awards.

What does Wacom do?

Wacom is a global leader in digital pen solutions, offering tools for writing and drawing used in creative fields like animation, studios, classrooms, and healthcare.

How might advancements in digital pen technology continue to shape the future of animation?